Department of Parks and Recreation

About the Department

Wilmington’s parks serve as a positive gathering place for residents and visitors to explore and enjoy the outdoors, build stronger communities, and to promote healthy living. It is the mission of the City of Wilmington Department of Parks and Recreation to:

Provide comprehensive and quality programming that supports the holistic wellness of city residents, maintain the park lands and related facilities, and also provide recreational, social, cultural, employment and educational opportunities for all.

The proactive involvement and support of the neighborhoods and communities that surround each of our parks is vital to ensuring the long-term prosperity of our city’s open spaces. Visit the Wilmington Park Friends Groups page and consider whether there is already a Friends group for your neighborhood park that you could join, or whether you would be interested in starting a Friends group for your neighborhood park.

We realize that opportunities for our residents to explore the outdoors extend not only beyond our city parks but also beyond our city boundaries. Visit the Parks Around Wilmington and First State National Historical Park pages to find out about the incredible recreational opportunities and preserved open spaces surrounding Wilmington.

Throughout the year, the Department of Parks and Recreation offers a variety of recreational opportunities for Wilmington residents. Download the Summer Activities Booklet to learn more about the department’s programs and activities.

Visit the Parks Around Wilmington page to view the interactive map that includes a variety of information about each of the public parks in Wilmington.